podcast Series
About the Show
Welcome to Information Asymmetry, hosted by Montana Butsch, a podcast series presented by the pioneering youth development platform spotivity. Tailored for policy enthusiasts, educators, curious teens, and involved parents, this show delves into personal agency, impact, access, education, and opportunities for growth. Tune in as expert guests and influencers engage in insightful discussions and gain a deeper understanding of the hurdles confronting today’s youth while learning of practical approaches and opportunities teens can utilize to shape a better tomorrow.
Available Episodes
Episode 1 Part 1
An Alternative To Madness: Exploring The Dilemma Of Young Athletes Pursuing Professional Sport.
In this first episode, we take a deep dive into the lure of professional sports and the difficult decision-making bind faced by young athletes. Drawing on the insights from the compelling blog post “An Alternative to Madness,” we explore the systems and structures that manipulate the naivety of young players and perpetuate an unsustainable model that they follow. Special guest for this episode is 10-year NBA veteran Jerome “Junk Yard Dog” Williams. Listen to him tell stories related to the many stars he played with in the past and his current focus on Shooting For Peace which leverages his three main tenants; choices, decisions, and consequences.
GUEST: Jerome “Junk Yard Dog” Williams
Episode 1 Part 2
An Alternative To Madness: Exploring The Dilemma Of Young Athletes Pursuing Professional Sport.
A continuation of the conversation between Montana and the Junk Yard Dog himself – Jerome Williams.
GUEST: Jerome “Junk Yard Dog” Williams
Episode 2 Part 1
A Call To The Private Sector: Embracing Social Responsibility For A Better Future.
Join us for a powerful and inspiring episode that calls on the private sector to step up and take action for the greater good! We’ll be discussing the thought-provoking blog post “A Call to the Private Sector,” and exploring the urgent need for businesses to embrace their social responsibility. Learn how the private sector can make a real difference in the world and create a more equitable and sustainable future for all. Special guests for this episode are 4-time Rowing National Team Member and 2004 Olympian Aquil Abdullah and Michael Wilson the Outreach Coordinator for Harris County Department of Education, CASE for Kids program.
GUEST: Aquil Abdullah and Mike Wilson
Episode 2 Part 2
A Call To The Private Sector: Embracing Social Responsibility For A Better Future.
A continuation of the conversation between Montana, Aquil, and Mike
GUEST: Aquil Abdullah and Mike Wilson
Episode 3 Part 1
Meritocracy: Uncovering The American Meritocracy Twist - Insights From spotivity's Blog.
In this episode, we’ll be exploring the fascinating concept of meritocracy and its place in American culture. Join us as we examine the thought-provoking blog post “Meritocracy: A Very American Story with a Typical American Twist,” and uncover the complex and nuanced history behind this deeply ingrained idea. Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights and perspectives on one of the most fundamental ideas shaping the American psyche! Joining this insightful episode is former NFL player and current professor Dr. Travis Dorsch and Michael Wilson the Outreach Coordinator for Harris County Department of Education, CASE for Kids program.
GUEST: Dr. Travis Dorsch and Mike Wilson
Episode 3 Part 2
Meritocracy: Uncovering The American Meritocracy Twist - Insights From spotivity's Blog.
A continuation of the conversation between Montana, Travis, and Mike
GUEST: Dr. Travis Dorsch and Mike Wilson
Episode 4 Part 1
How To Game The System: Breaking The Rules? Unpacking The Strategies And Ethics Of Gaming The System.
Get ready for an eye-opening episode that will challenge your assumptions and make you think twice about the rules of the game! We’ll be discussing the insightful blog post “How to Game the System (Pt. 1),” and exploring the complex and often murky world of rules, regulations, and norms. Join us as we examine the strategies and tactics people use to bend the rules to gain an advantage and discover how you can stay true to your values while navigating a world that’s not always fair. David Banks will be joining us and sharing his insight as a former 7-time National Rowing Team member, 2x Olympian, and former highly recruited track athlete – he will be joined by Michael Wilson of the Harris County Department of Education.
GUEST: David Banks and Mike Wilson
Episode 4 Part 2
How To Game The System (Pt 1): Breaking The Rules? Unpacking The Strategies And Ethics Of Gaming The System.
A continuation of the conversation between Montana, David, and Mike
GUEST: David Banks and Mike Wilson
Episode 5 Part 1
The Definition Of Value: Exploring The Many Meanings Of Worth And Purpose.
Get ready for a thought-provoking episode that will challenge your preconceptions and broaden your horizons! We’ll be exploring the concept of value and its many different meanings and interpretations. Join us as we dive into the insightful blog post “The Definition of Value,” and gain a deeper understanding of what truly matters in life. Don’t miss this chance to expand your mind and perspective about the essence of value. Joining us on this conversation is Vondale Singleton of C.H.A.M.P.S. mentoring and Johnnie Williams of Y365.
GUEST: Vondale Singleton and Johnnie Williams
Episode 5 Part 2
The Definition Of Value: Exploring The Many Meanings Of Worth And Purpose.
A continuation of the conversation between Montana, Vondale, and Johnnie
GUEST: Vondale Singleton and Johnnie Williams
Episode 6 Part 1
A Research Approach To Access: Unleashing Potential - spotivity's Research Approach To Access And Opportunity.
In this episode, we’ll be exploring the groundbreaking insights and research behind the spotivity approach to access and opportunity. Join us as we delve into the thought-provoking blog post “spotivity: A Research Approach to Access,” and uncover the transformative potential of data analytics and technology in the world of education and personal agency. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the experts and take your first step toward unlocking your full potential! Joining this insightful episode is former NFL player and current professor Dr. Travis Dorsch and Michael Wilson the Outreach Coordinator for Harris County Department of Education.
GUEST: Dr. Travis Dorsch and Mike Wilson
Episode 6 Part 2
A Research Approach To Access: Unleashing Potential - spotivity's Research Approach To Access And Opportunity.
A continuation of the conversation between Montana, Travis, and Mike
GUEST: Dr. Travis Dorsch and Mike Wilson
Montana Butsch
YOUR HOST
Montana Butsch: two-time entrepreneur, the founding mastermind behind spotivity and the Chicago Training Center. A relentless advocate for teen empowerment and personal growth, Montana’s journey is an epic saga of inner-city impact.
Harnessing wisdom from years mentoring thousands of Chicago youth, he’s woven a web of influence spanning business, philanthropy, athletics, media and government spheres. He has been featured on CBS Nightly News, had ink spilt on the NYTimes, and has also given a TEDx talk.
A native son of pre-gentrified Chicago, Montana’s roots run deep amidst the vibrant tapestry of Maxwell St, Michael Jordan’s rise, and the golden era of Hip Hop. Oh, and did we mention? He’s got a claim to fame as a former radio DJ!